Patna, July 9 (IANS) The electoral contest for the Bankipur Assembly by-election intensified on Thursday as Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Rekha Gupta filed her nomination papers, following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) candidate’s completion of the same process.

Several RJD leaders and party workers accompanied her during the nomination, while the Congress, an ally in the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance), has also extended its support to her candidature.

After filing her nomination, Rekha Gupta expressed confidence that the Mahagathbandhan would perform strongly in the by-election.

She said the opposition alliance had mounted a tough challenge in the previous election and expressed optimism that it would secure victory this time.

Rekha Gupta entered the District Magistrate’s office through the rear entrance to complete the nomination process.

Responding to questions over the absence of Lalu Prasad Yadav, Rabri Devi, or other members of the Lalu family during the nomination programme, Rekha Gupta said she had the blessings of the entire family.

She also said that the entire Mahagathbandhan stood firmly behind her campaign.

Ahead of filing her nomination, Rekha Gupta had asserted that the by-election would mark a political turning point in Bankipur.

She claimed that the constituency’s decades-old electoral pattern would change and expressed confidence that the RJD would create history in the seat.

Appealing to voters, she said she sought only their blessings and promised to live up to their expectations if elected.

When asked about the biggest challenge in the election, Rekha Gupta replied that the public itself was the greatest challenge, indicating that winning voters’ confidence would be her primary focus.

The Bankipur Assembly by-election has emerged as one of Bihar’s most closely watched political contests.

The seat became vacant after former BJP MLA Nitin Nabin was elected to the Rajya Sabha.

The BJP has fielded Abhishek Kumar Bunty, while the RJD has nominated Rekha Gupta. Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishor is also entering the fray, setting the stage for a closely watched multi-cornered contest.

With nominations progressing, all major political parties have intensified their campaigns, making the Bankipur by-election an important test of organisational strength and voter support in the state.

–IANS

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